Audio-Technica M50x

The reviewer praises the Audio-Technica ATH-M50x as an excellent buy under $200, highlighting its unchanged sound quality and build, with the main upgrade being a detachable cable system and slightly improved comfort. He notes that while it's a great choice for most, owners of the original M50s may not find enough reason to upgrade unless they specifically want the removable cable.

The reviewer compares the Audio-Technica M50x and Beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro, concluding that while both are excellent value, the DT 770s are better for him due to superior comfort and clarity, though the M50x remains a solid choice for portability and live production.

The reviewer praises the Audio-Technica M50x for its sturdy build, comfortable fit, and accurate, transparent sound, calling it the best over-ear headphone under $200. He notes minor drawbacks like a lacking soundstage and slightly loose bass, but overall highly recommends it, even buying a pair for himself.

The reviewer re-evaluates the Audio-Technica M50x two years after his initial negative review of the original M50s, and his opinion remains unchanged. He finds the build quality cheap, the sound narrow and analytical, and the treble unbearable at higher volumes, making them unsuitable for casual listening. He recommends alternatives like the Yamaha MT220 or SoundMagic HP50 for most users, and suggests pad modifications only if you already own them.

The reviewer finds the M50x has solid build quality and portability, but its sound is compromised by excessive mid-bass bleed and uneven treble, making it less competitive than the AKG K371 for most uses. It's recommended mainly for those needing a durable, field-recording headphone.

The reviewer finds the Audio-Technica M50x to be a well-built, accurate-sounding pair of headphones that offer good value for their price. They are particularly impressed with the neutral frequency response for music and sine wave tests, though spoken word shows slight coloration. The reviewer recommends them for studio, general listening, and even gaming, noting they are comfortable and durable, though they can get warm after extended wear.